Have you ever asked yourself, besides their eyes, what do blue-eyed people all have in common? Apparently, those with this rare eye color have a unique family history and some astonishing talents. Most people around the world have brown eyes, but blue eyes have always thrilled us for their unusual, almost angelic aspect. Actually, what makes this trait unique is more compelling than any color.
Researchers believe the common ancestor of those with blue eyes lived in Europe during the period from 6,000 to 10,000 years ago. Genetic studies have shown that every person with blue eyes has a matching change or mutation in the OCA2 gene which manages melanin production in the eyes. By mutating, a gene controlling iris melanin simply stopped allowing melanin to accumulate, resulting in the special blue of the eyes. It’s likely that before this genetic switch, everyone only had brown eyes.
What really grabs attention is that this mutation brings a couple of extra traits alongside the eye color change. As an example, people with blue eyes are more sensitive to strong light. Because their irises have less melanin, they don’t have the same protection against bright light as dark-skinned people. As a result, their eyes may feel uncomfortable in bright surroundings and could heighten the risk for problems such as macular degeneration when they age.
Things aren’t always negative. There are studies that say people with blue eyes may tend to have unique cognition and body features. It has been found that lighter eye colors may help people think strategically or complete tasks at a pace they choose. Called anecdote, some researchers have explored if people with blue eyes feel or sleep differently, although this topic is still unclear.
In some cultures, blue eyes have always stood for beauty, mystery and a sense of being magical. When blue eyes are featured in stories, movies and stories from the past, they are usually shown as having unusual personality or strength. Because they are uncommon and shine under some conditions, this is a common way people see them.
Actually, blue eyes show how simple genetics can spread through generations and change the way we look. As a result of this trait being passed through millions of lines of descent from a single ancient individual, today we see it both in their body form and as something their distant past connects them to.